JAN Experiences A Year of Record Growth, Resilience and Excellence

By LSherie Dean, Director of Communications, Marketing & PR
Jackson Municipal Airport Authority

This year’s passenger numbers at Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport have soared above pre-COVID performance.

In the heart of Mississippi lies the Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN). This bustling hub has been making headlines for all the right reasons, and 2023 is turning out to be a year of record-breaking success.

JAN in July Was a Month to Remember

July demonstrated a boost of travelers in and out of Mississippi. More than 119,910 passengers flowed through the gates of JAN, taking off on new adventures, on business or returning home from summer break for the start of a new school year. This impressive surge in passenger numbers positions JAN for an extraordinary year-end finish and marks one of the busiest months the airport has seen in over a decade.

Facing Challenges Head-On

Despite early summer challenges, including higher than usual weather cancellations, JAN forecasts 1.31 million passengers by the close of calendar year 2023. What’s driving this remarkable growth is unwavering demand from travelers. Business travelers are returning to the skies, and leisure travel displays strong resilience. In 2022, JAN proudly hosted more than 1.22 million travelers.

Exceeding Pre-COVID Performance

What truly sets JAN apart is its extraordinary performance compared to the pre-COVID era. Passenger numbers have soared to 18.6% above 2019 levels and are on track to reach an even greater 24.5% over 2019. Even more astonishing is the 7.2% increase in the first seven months of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. JAN’s substantial passenger numbers are also reflected in its parking revenue, with another near-record month in July, exceeding $795,000.

Championing Air Service at JAN

The air service providers at JAN continue to vie for attention from passengers across central Mississippi. Delta, American, Southwest and United have carried 31.9%, 31%, 29.8% and 7.3% of the passengers, respectively, from January to July 2023. This competition not only benefits travelers with plenty of choice but also reflects JAN’s desirability as a destination.

Cargo Operations on the Rise

JAN doesn’t just excel in passenger traffic; it’s also a key player in Mississippi’s cargo operations. The airport has handled more than 11.9 million pounds of total cargo year-to-date (through July), marking a nearly 2% increase over the same period in 2022. With the current trend, JAN is poised to surpass an impressive 22 million pounds of cargo handled this calendar year.

A Commitment to Excellence

Chief Executive Officer Rosa Beckett, a driving force behind JAN’s success, emphasizes, “Our dedication to passenger satisfaction and operational excellence has positioned JAN for a successful year ahead. As these numbers continue to rise, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing a seamless and enjoyable travel experience. We are proud to have recently been listed among the top ten domestic U.S. airports by Travel + Leisure magazine.”

Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport is firm on its vision to Be the Airport of Choice and is a testament to resilience, excellence and passenger satisfaction.